Four countries head the list to be the amphitryon of the this tournament

CONMEBOL recently surprised its fans with drastic changes in relation to he Copa Libertadores 2019. On 23 February, the presidents of federations defined that the final will not be disputed in return regime as before. On the contrary, it will be done in a single match, a single final on neutral ground to be defined at the beginning of each edition, as in Europe.

Managers argue that the decision aims to boost the club tournaments on the continent, achieving greater international attention, increasing revenue, improving sports infrastructure, and enhancing better address security issues and organization.

Different viewpoints

South American soccer fans were quick to express their concerns. Which countries on the continent have stadiums for an event like this? Do they all have the logistical capacity necessary (transport, accommodation) to realize it? How will fans overcome transport difficulties, in terms of cost and ability, to travel to support their team in another country on the continent?

The answers to these questions continue to be debated. However, the decision is already taken. Now, people will have to wait to answer: What will country host this unique match?

The race to become the host country has started, let’s see which they are:

Rio de Janeiro: The headquarters of the World Cup 2014 has one of the largest gathering infrastructure conditions in some of its cities. Including the legendary Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the largest stadium in Brazil that has hosted major events of global importance. It has a capacity for more than 78,000 people.

Montevideo: Recently, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) officially posited the Centenario stadium in Montevideo. Its President Wilmar Valdez said "we want to join Centenario Stadium history with this change". This stadium, which hosted the final of the first World Cup in 1930, currently has a capacity of 60,235 people, and it is the only stadium declared by FIFA as world soccer Historical Monument. However, the President of the AUF also noted that one of the greatest difficulties would be the economic aspect.

Santiago de Chile: In the city of Santiago there are located two major sports venues: the Monumental Stadium, where Colo Colo plays -hosting 47,000 fanatical-, and the National Stadium at the University of Chile -with a capacity for 49,000 people, which has a history spanning from large sporting events to unfortunate events (such as a detention and torture during the military dictatorship in 1973)-. The Chilean capital has been privileged to host events like Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and the Copa America.

Lima: Peruvian capital is one of the favorites to host the final match, because it has two potential venues: the National Stadium and the Monumental Stadium (where the University Club of Sports plays). The first can receive 43,000 spectators and the second more than 80,000 fans. The second stadium is one of the most modern and has the largest capacity in South America. Lima, being considered a more neutral and central field, as well as its airport, has extensive connections throughout the continent.

Undoubtedly, the 2019 edition will be a new version that will repower the maximum of Latin American club tournament. The Cup will once again capture the passion and attention of fans and a much wider audience. In this version, the audience will occupy an important place because according to recent announcements by the Conmebol, a bidding process is taking place to award the broadcasting rights for television and cable.

It is important to remember that it became public in 2015 that South American soccer officials received bribes in exchange for giving marketing rights and broadcasting of games. For this reason, FIFA was in the eye of the hurricane. There are few complaints about the soccer drama related to mafias and corruption. Hopefully, the increase in income, which is advertised as a result of recent changes in this important event, serve for the growth of the sporting passion in our continent.

Latin American Post | Kristel Velazquez
Translated from “ ¿Cuál será la sede de la Copa Libertadores 2019?”